Moldova's crucial vote: Diaspora turnout and interference claims
The second round of the presidential elections in Moldova concluded at 19:00 local time (GMT). The Moldovan diaspora participated in record numbers and turned out 54.08 percent, as reported by the Central Election Commission. There was no exit poll for this round, so we must wait for the official results.
The candidates for the presidency were the current pro-European president Maia Sandu and former general prosecutor Alexandr Stoianoglo, supported by pro-Russian socialists. These elections are crucial for the country's future and its political direction.
Commentators have noted the unprecedented participation of Moldovans living abroad. According to the CEC, over 313,000 people from the diaspora voted, who typically support pro-European forces. Maia Sandu and her Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) emphasise that the election results will determine whether the country maintains a pro-European course, while her opponent's victory could threaten a return to Russia's orbit.
Sandu warned against attempts at "stealing the elections" through a network of vote-buying organised by Moscow. Pro-European authorities accuse Stoianoglo of being a beneficiary of "massive Russian interference in the elections," including electoral corruption and illegal activities, such as the "organised transportation" of voters from Transnistria and free "election flights" from Russia to Istanbul, Baku, and Minsk.
Alexandr Stoianoglo assured that he wants to be the president of all citizens and declared apolitical intentions. Although distancing himself from accusations of being pro-Russian and declaring support for European integration, he did not back the referendum initiated by Sandu on including European integration in Moldova's constitution. He also believes that the country should improve relations with Moscow.
Incidents during the elections in Moldova
During voting, false bomb alarms were noted in cities such as Liverpool, Northampton, Frankfurt, Kaiserslautern, as well as in Bucharest and Brașov. Chișinău had previously warned Western capitals of possible attempts to disrupt diaspora voting.
The Central Election Commission is expected to start publishing the first partial results around 20:00 GMT, but they may be unreliable due to the later counting of votes from the traditionally pro-European diaspora.
The CEC reported several cyber attacks on their websites. A DDoS cyberattack affected the sites, but it was quickly halted and additional security measures were applied.
In the first round of elections, held on 20th October, Maia Sandu received 42.45% of the votes, while Alexandr Stoianoglo received just under 26%. The results of the second round could determine Moldova's further political direction.
